Rig Veda

Aftbr his ancient splendour, they, the bold, have drawn the bright milk from The Sa^e who wins a thousand gifts. 2 In aspect he is like the Sun ; hje runneth forward to the lakes, Seven cun^ents flowing through the sky. ^ He,^ sbining ia bis 9pleudour, stands high aver all things that exist — Soma, a God as Surya is». 4 Thou, Indu, in thy brilliancy, ponr^st on us, as Indra*s Friend, Wealth from the kiue to feast the Gods.

Pour on us with thy juice all kinds of corn, each sort of nourish- meat, And, Soma, all felioltiefik 2^ As thiue, 0 Indu, is tl^e praise, and thine what springeth from the juice. Seat thee on the dear sacred grass. 1 WUh stones for arms : adrivah: generally aa appellative, of Indra, the slinger or easter of the stone or thunderbolt ; here, aocording to S4yan», = grdvavan soma, 0 Soma, possessor of, that is, expressed by, the stoD/BS. 2 When car meets cao' : in battle. When the prize is^ staked : in the chariotrace ; or the reference may be also to battle. ^ To the 8ti'€am» : the vasaUvaA wjaXer^. 1 Theyt tjie hold : the Soma-pressers. The Sage : or Rishi ; Soma. 2 Hit lakes: of ait. Seven currents: corresponding to the seven earthly rivers. * He uuitea with the seven dQwa-deefcei^ding rivers of heaven.' — lyUjaon. 4 From ike kine: coDBiBting ot milk, curds, etc. 3 And, finding for us kine and steeds, O Soma, with thy juice flow on Through days that fly most rapidly. 4 As one who conquers, ne'er subdued, attacks and slays the enemy. Thus, Vanquisher of thousands ! flow.

Swift to the purifying sieve flows Soma as exalted Law, Slaying the fiends, loving the Gods. 2 When Soma pours the strengthening food a hundred ever- active streams To Indra's friendship win their way. 3 Ten Dames have sung to welcome thee, even as a maiden greets her love : 0 Soma, thou art decked to win. 4 Flow hitherward, 0 Indu, sweet to Indra and to Vishnu : guard The men, the singers, from distress.

Thy streams that never fail or waste flow forth like showers of rain from heaven. To bring a thousand stores of strength. 2 He flows beholding on his way all well-belovM sacred lore, Green-tinted, brandishing his arms. 3 He, when the people deck him like a docile king of elephants, Sits as a falcon in the wood. 4 So bring thou hitherward to us, Indu, while thou art purified, All treasures both of heaven and earth.

Swift runs this giver of delight, even the stream of flowing juice : Swift runs this giver of delight. 4 Vanquisher of thousands : or, thou who winnest thousands, i. e, counties Bpoils or treasures. • 3 Ten Dames : the fingers, whose sound is heard in the operation of pressing the Soma juice. 3 Like a docile king of elephants : von Roth, in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, suggests iblie for IbJiahj ' like a pious king among his retinue ; * but no alteration is necessary, ibhak and r^jd being taken together in the sense of elephant-king or stately and noble elephant. See Vedische Stvdien, I. p. .XV. Sits as a falcon in the wood: in the wood, as referring to the Soma, weaning the wooden trough or vat. * Sita on tVi% ^UiX^ra like a hawk.' — 'Wilson. 1 Swift: tdrat: 'rescuing (his worshlpperB trom »xi^: — ^V^^wi. % The lC<Mnutig knows all preoious things, the Goddess knows her grace to man : Swift runs this giver of delight. 3 We have accepted thousands from Dhvasra's and Purushanti's hands : Swift runs this giver of delight. 4 From whom we have accepted thus thousands and three times

ten besides : Swift runs this giver of delight.

Flow onward, Soma, winning kine, and steeds, and all that gives delight : Bring hither wealth with progeny. 2 Flow onward from the waters, flow, inviolable, from the plants : Flow onward from the pressing-boards. 3 Soma, as Pavamina, pass over all trouble and distress : Sit on the sacred grass, a Sage. 4 Thou, PavamUna, foundest light ; thou at thy birth becamest great : O Indu, thou art over all.

SiNO forth and laud with sacred song most active Pavamdna, laud Indu who sees with thousand eyes. 3 Thee who hast thousand eyes to see, bearer of thousand burthens, they Have filtered through the fleecy cloth. 8 Dkvasra and Purushanti were * two kings who conferred great wealth on Taranta and Purumtlha, two rishia of the family of Vidadaava. See p. XXXIII. of Max-Muller*8 Rig-veda, Vol. V.'— Cowell'a note in Wilson's Translation. 4 Thu9 thousands and three times ten : Sftyana, taking tdnd (thus, in this manner) to mean ' garments/ mistaking trinifdtam, thirty, for trisatam, three huodred, and neglecting the chxi (and), interprets ' three hundred thousand garments.' ' Thiity robes and thousands.' — £. B. Cowell. Grassmann places this hymn in his Appendix as a composition of fragments and out of place where it stands in the text. ' 5 The waters : the vasattvart waters. The pressing-hoards : dhishandbhi/ah : according to S&yana, grdvdbhpdfi, the pressing-stones. 1 With sacred s»ng : gdyatrfyi^ : * with a Odyatri hymtL.' — ^VT^Uqxl. £ Bearer of thousand ourthfn$ : or, briugw ot iho>MMii^\y>\iu>A«a. SO 3 He, Pavamslns^ hath streamed through the fleece : he runs into the jars, Finding his way to Indra's heart.

4 That Indra may be bounteous, flow, most active Soma, for otir weal : Bring genial seed with progeny.

Flow onward, Indu, with this food for him who in thy wild delight Battered the nine-and-ninety down, 2 Smote swiftly forts, and Sarobara, then Yadu and that Turvasa, For pious DivodlLsa's sake. 3 Finder of horses, pour on us horses and wealth in kine and gold, And, Indii, food in boundless store. 4 We seek to win thy friendly love, even PavamlLna's flowiiig o'er The limit of the cleansing sieve. 5 With those same waves which in their stream overflow the purifying sieve, Soma, be gracious unto us. 6 0 Soma, being purified, bring us from all sides, — for thou canst, — Riches and food with hero sons. 7 Him here, the Child whom streams have borne, the ten swift With the Adityas is he seen. 8 With Indra and with V&yu he, effused, flows onward with the beams Of Surya to the cleansing sieve. 9 Flow rich in sweets and lovely for our Bhaga, VHyu, Piishan, flow For Mitra and for Varuna. 10 High is thy juice's birth : though set in heaven, on earth it hath obtained Strong sheltering power and great renown. 1 The nine-and-ninety : * ninety-nine (cities of the foe).' — \?il8on. 3 In boundless store : literally, in thousands.

/ Whom itreams have borne : sindhumdtaram : ' whose parents aj* e the riverfi/ — Wilson, Bnm as the Mo^m in t^ie oc«ai;x ol «Jix. WUK tfcc Adityat uAe seen : tiiat h, he is counted aa ohq oi ^« kdi\i^%s^ jnrjr/^ei.l the rioveda. sor 11 Striving to win, with him we gain all wealth from the ungodly man, Yea, all the glories of mankind. IS Finder of room and freedom, flow for Iiidra whom we must adore, For Varuna and the Marut host. 13 The Gods have come to Indu well-descended, beautified with milk. The active crusher of the foe. X4c Even as mother cows their calf, so let our praise-songs strengthen him, Yea, him who winneth Iudra*s heart 15 Soma, pour blessings on our kine, pour forth the food that streams with milk : Increase the sea that merits laud. 16 From heaveu hath Pavam^na made, as 'twere, the marvellous thunder, and The lofty light of all mankind. 17 The gladdening and auspicious juice of thee, of Pavamslua, King! Flows o'er the woollen straining-cloth. 18 Thy juice, 0 Pavamana, sends its rays abroad like splendid skill, Like lustre, all heaven's light, to see. 19 Flow onward with that juice of thine most excellent, that

brings delight, Slaying the wicked, dear to Gods. 20 Killing the foeman and his hate, and winning booty every day. Gainer art thou of steeds and kine. 21 Red-hued, he blended with the milk that seems to yield its lovely breast, Falcon-like resting in thine home. 13 Well-descended: literally, well-bom or well-produced; '(who m) completely generated.* — Wilson, 15 The tea : tamudrdm : according to S&yana, water generally. 1^ * The purified [Soma] has generated the great light which is comjnon to nil mankind, like the wonderful thundering of the sky.'— Mair, 0, S. Textt, IV. 112. The great light common to all men, or vaifvdnardm or the lofiff light of all mankind, is Agni YaisvAnara. ^0 The/oeman and hi» hate: * the hostile 'Vn.ira.*— ^\V*oil. 808 TBB HYMNS OP [BOOK /Jf. 22 Flow onward thou who strengthenedst Indra to slaughter Vritra who Compassed and stayed the mighty floods. 23 Soma who rainest gifts, may we win riches with our hero sons : Strengthen, as thou art cleansed, our hymns. !24 Aided by thee, and through thy grace, may we be slayers when we war : Watch, Soma, at our solenm rites. 25 Chasing our foemen, driving off the godless, Soma floweth oQt Going to Indra's special place.

26 0 Pavam^na, hither bring great riches, and destroy our foes : 0 Indu, grant heroic fame. 27 A hundred obstacles have ne'er checked thee when fain to give thy boons. When, being cleansed, thou oombatest. 28 Indu, flow on, a mighty juice ; glorify us among the folk : Drive all our enemies away. 29 Indu, in this thy friendship most lofty and glorious may we Subdue all those who war with us. 30 Those awful weapons that thou hast, sharpened at point to strike men down — Guard us therewith from every foe.

These rapid Soma-drops have been poured through the purifying sieve To bring us all felicities. 2 Dispelling manifold mishap, giving the courser's progeny, Yea, and the warrior steed, success. 25 The godless : drdvndfi : those who present no sacrificial oflPerings ; ' the withholders (of wealth).' — Wilson. Special place: that is, the vessel set apart for his libations. 26 Heroic fame : or, fame with brave sons. 27 Obstacles : or enemies, according to S&yana. Thou eomhcUest : metkkasyase : according to S&yana, * when thou wishes't to give us wealth.* * The meanings "fight," "strive," etc., are foreign to S&ya.a, being derived from a comparison of fia\iofiaif macto, etc.'~-Editor's note in Wilson's Translation. SO Weapons : the Moon being tlie warrior who overcomes the darkness of night. See ffiiiebrandt, V, M.^ I. 840. CI. *T!Vi«imoo\i advances like an indignant warridr through a fleeing arm^.* — ^^.1. CoVervA.^^. 9TMH «1] TffS RIQVEDA. t09 ^ Bringing proeperitj to kine, they make perpetual Ili flow To us for noble eulogy. ^ Strong, mountain-bom, the stalk bath been pressed in the streams for rapturous joy : Hawk-like he settles in his home. ^ Fair is the Qod-loved juioe ; the plant is washed in waters, pressed by men : The milch-kine sweeten it with milk.

^ As drivers deck a courser, so have they adorned the meath's juice for Ambrosia, for the festival. J 2!hou, Indii, with thy streams that drop sweet juices, which were poured for help, fiast settled in the cleansing sieve. ^ So flow thou onward through the fleece, for Indra flow, to be his drink, Slnding thine home in vats of wood. ^ As giving room and freedom, as most sweet, pour butter forth and milk, O Indu, for the Angirases. ^0 ;^Q8t active and benevolent, this Pavam^na, sent to us For lofty friendship, meditates. ^ ^ Queller of curses, mighty, with strong sway, this Pavam ana shall Bring treasures to the worshipper. 1 2 Pour thou upon us thousandfold possessions, both of kineand steeds, Exceeding glorious, much-desired. 13 Wandering far, with wise designs, the juice here present is Made beautiful by living men. 3 Ili : here, according to S4yana, meaning ' food.* * Labetrank/ refreshing draught. — Grassmann. 4 The stalk : the Soma-plant, which is said to have grown on the mountains. 5 In waters : the vasattvart waters. 6 For ambrosia : amfUAya : * for the sake of immortality.' — Wilson. 9 For the Angirases : or, from the Angirases. The Jamadagnis were not members of that family. — Ludwig.

10 Meditates: 'is known (to all).*— Wilson. 13 Wandering far : urugdydh: according to Sftyana, much-lauded, or praised 14 For Indra flows the gladdening drink^ the measurer of the region, Sage, With countless wealth and endless help. 15 Bom on the mountain, lauded here, Indu for Indra is set down, As in her sheltering nest a bird. 1 6 Pressed by the men, as 'twere to war hath Soma Pavam&na sped, To rest with might within the vats. 17 That he may move, they yoke him to the three-backed triple- seated car By the Seven Rishis' holy songs. 18 Drive ye that Tawny Courser, 0 ye pressers, on his way to war, Swift Steed who carries off the spoil. 19 Pouring all glories hither, he, effused and entering the jar, Stands like a hero mid the kine. 20 Indu, the living men milk out thy juice to make the rapturous draught : Gods for the Gods milk out the meath. 21 Pour for the Gods into the sieve our Soma very rich in sweets. Him whom the Gods most gladly hear. 22 Into his stream who gladdens best these Soma juices have been poured, Lauded with songs for. lofty fame.

23 Thou flowest to enjoy the milk, and bringest valour, being cleansed : Winning the spoil flow hitherward. 24 And, hymned by Jamadagnis, let all nourishment that kine supply, And general praises, flow to us. 25 Soma, as leader of the song flow onward with thy wondrous aids, For holy lore of every kind. 1 4 The measurer of the region : who measured out and made the firmament. 15 Born on the inountain : or, perhaps, as S&yana takes it, * made manifest by song.' 17 By the Seven Rishia' holy songs: or *0f Rishis, with seven holy songs'; the car being the sacrifice, the three backs or ridges being the three daily libations, the three seats being the three Vedas. 19 Mid the kine : among the enemy's cattle, for whose possession he ii fighting. So, says S&yana, Soma stands among the sacrifices. 20 The living men : the worshippers, according to S4yana; but perhaps, as Liidwig sugge&tB, hin atotdrah should be aotdvciK^ ^reatsers. Gods : devlfji : th« pn'etits. ^ • t imfn.] TBE KiorsDA. tii ^ Do thou as leader of the song, stirring the waters of the sea, Flow onward, thou who mo vest all.

27 0 Soma, 0 thou Sage, these worlds stand ready to attest thy might : For thy behoof the rivers flow. 25 Like showers of rain that fall from heaven thy streams per- petually flow To the bright fleece spread under them. ^^ For potent Indra purify Indu eflfeotual and strong, Eiijoymeiit-giver, Mighty Lord. *^ Soma, true, Pavamaaa, Sage, is seated in the cleansing sieve, Giving his praiser hero strength.

Pour hitherward, 0 Soma, wealth in thousands and heroic strength. And keep renown secure for us. ^ Thou makest food aud vigjur swell for Indra, best of gladdeners ! Within the cups thou seatest thee. 3 For Indra and for Vishnu poured. Soma hath flowed into the jar : May V&yu find it rich in sweets. 4 These Somas swift and brown of hue, in stream of solemn sacrifice Have flowed through twisted obstacles, 5 Performing every noble work, active, augmenting Indra's strength, Driving away the godless ones. 6 Brown Soma-drops, efl^used, that seek Indra, to their appro" priate place Flow through the region hitherward. 7 Flow onward with that stream of thine wherewith thou gavest Sirya light, Urging on waters good to men. 8 He, Pavamana, high o'er man yoked the Sun's courser Etasa To travel through the realm of air. 26 Waters of the sea : of the sea of air, the firmameDt. 4 Twisted obstacles : either the twigs of which the frame of the filter was ia«le. or the rough surface of the wool of the strainer. 'Are let looi© upou be Rikshasas.' — WilauU. 8 Id thi^ and the following fitaiiKa Soma ia idenU^ed mOii W^ft ^mtu

9 And those ten Coursers, tawnj-hued, he harnessed that the Sun might come : Indu, he said, is Indra's self. iO Hence, singers, pour the gladdening juice to Viyu and to Indra, pour The drops upon the fleecy cloth. 110 Soma Pavamana, find wealth for us not to be assailed. Wealth which the foeman may not win. 12 Send ricbes hither with thy stream in thousanls, both of steeds and kine, Send spoil of war and high renown. 13 Soma the God, expressed with stones, likeSurya, floweth on his way, Pouring the juice within the jar. 14 These brilliant drops have poured for us, in stream of solemn sacrifice. Worshipful laws and strength in kine. 15 Over the cleansing sieve have flowed the Somas, blent with curdled milk, Effused for Indra Thunder-armed. 16 Soma, do thou most rich in sweets, a gladdening drink most dear to Gods, Flow to the sieve to bring us wealth. 17 For Indra, living men adorn the Tawny Courser in the streams, Indu, the giver of delight. 18 Pour for us, Soma, wealth in gold, in horses and heroic sons, Bring hither strength in herds of kine. 19 For Indra pour ye on the fleece him very sweet to taste, who

longs For battle as it were in war. 20 The singers, seeking help, adorn the Sage who must be decked with songs : Loud bellowing the Steer comes on. 21 The singers with their thoughts and hymns have, in the stream of sacrifice. Caused Soma, active Steer, to roar. 9 Coursers: or Harits. Cf. IV. 6. 9 and 13. 3. 10 Hence: from this vessel. 24 Worshipful laws : the meaning of dMmdny^ryd is not clear. ' (Flowing) towards the dwellings of respectable (^>Not«\i\^^«taV — "^^wi. *YeuerabIe might,*— Ludwig, STMlf %L\ TffB RIG VEDA. SIS 32 Gody working with mankind, flow on ; to Indra go thy gladdening juice : To V&yu mount as Law commands. 23 O Soma Pavam&na, thou pourest out wealth that hrings re- nown : Enter the lake, as one we love. 24 Soma, thou flowest chasing foes aud bringing wisdom and de- light : Drive off the folk who love not Gods. 25 The Pavam&nas have been poured, the brilliant drops of Soma juice. For holy lore of every kind. 26 The Pavam^nas have been shed, the beautiful swift Soma- drops, Driving all enemies afar. 27 From heaven, from out the firmament, hath PavamAna been

effused Upon the summit of the earth. 28 O Soma, Indii, very wise, drive, being purified, with thy stream All foes, all EAkshasas away. 29 Driving the Rjlkshasas afar, 0 Soma, bellowing, pour for us Most excellent and splendid strength. 30 Soma, do thou secure for us the treasures of the earth and heaven, Indu ! all boons to be desired.

Soma, thou art a splendid Steer, a Steer, 0 God, with steerlike sway : Thou as a Steer ordainest laws. 2 Steer-strong thy might is as a steer's, steer -strong thy wood, steer-like thy drink : A Steer indeed, 0 Steer, art thou. 3 Thou, Indu, as a vigorous horse, hast neighed together steeds and kine : Unbar for us the doors to wealth. 23 The lake : the dronakalatat vat or reservoir. 27 The iummit of the earth : the raised altar. 1 Steer : SAyapa, as usual, explains vrithA by var$haJcah * Sprinkler.*— -Wilson. 8 Neighed topether: coiiected, through the e&cacy oi ^i^[i& «iQ\nA V^^>x jnstkeat in dropping through the filter, and enriched >ia ^\\\i, %\a«^ ^VL^>KasA, 4 Out of desire of cows and steeds and heroes potent Soma-drops^ Brilliant and swift, have been effused. 5 They purified in both the hands, made beautiful by holy men, Flow onward to the fleecy cloth. 6 These Soma juices shall pour forth all treasures for the wor- shipper From heaven and earth and firmament. 7 The streams of Pavamana, thine. Finder of all, have been effused, Even as Surya's rays of light. 8 Making the light tliat shines from heaven thou fioweston to

every form : Soma, thou swellest like a sea. 9 Urged on thou sendeat out thy voice, O Pavamana; thou hast moved, Like the Grod Surya, to the sieve. 10 Indu, Enlightener, Friend, hath been purified by the sages* hymns : So starts the charioteer his steed — 11 Thy God-delighting wave which hath flowed to the purifying sieve, Alighting in the home of Law. 12 Flow to our sieve, a gladdening draught that hath most inter- course with Gods, Indu, to Indra for his drink. 13 Flow onward with a stream for food, made beautiful by sapient men : Indu with sheen approach the milk. 14 While thou art cleansed, Song-Lover, bring comfort and vigour to the folk. Poured, Tuwnj' One ! on milk and curds. 15 Purified for the feast of GoJs, go thou to Indra*s special place. Resplendent, guided by the strong. 16 Accelerated by the hymn, the rapid drops of Soma juice Have flowed, urged onward, to the lake. 17 Easily have the living drops, made beautiful, approached the lake. Yea, to the place of sacrifice. 8 To every form : to bring us blessings in every shape. 9 To t?ie sieve: vidharmani : ' in observance of the law,' according to M. Bergaigne. See La Religion \idi\x^t^ 111. 'il^, xlo^^.

itf -^5^ /«>f^.' ^awttrfrrfw ; according to ^^^«i.^«b,\\v^%%»ivA^\v,\3tw'i^x^^ | The dron akalasa, vat or reservoir, ia probikVA^ \tv\.^Ti^ftdL. MTMjSf ell TffE RIGVEDA. 315 18 Compass aboiity our faithful Friend, all our possess' ons with thy might : Guard, hero like, our sheltering home. 19 Loud neighs the Courser Etasa, with singers, harnessed for the place. Guided for travel to the lake. 20- What time the Swift One resteth in the golden place of sacrifice, He leaves the foolish far away. 21 Tbe friends have sung in unison, the prudent wish to sacrifice : Down sink the unintelligent. 22 For Indra girt by Maruts, flow, thou Indu, very rich in sweets. To sit in place of sacriiice. 23 Controlling priests and sages skilled in holy song adorn thee well: The living make thee beautiful. 24 Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna drink Pavamana's juice, yea, thine : O Sage, the Maruts drink thereof. 25 O Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgcst onward Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns. 26 Yea, Soma, Indu, while thou art purified do thou bring to us Speech thousandfold that longs for war. 27 0 Indu, Much-invoked, while thou art purifying, as the Friend Of these men enter thou the lake.

28 Bright are these Somas blent with milk, with light thnt flashes brilliantly And form that utters loud acclaim. 29 Led by his drivers, and sent forth, the Strong Steed hath come nigh for spoil, Like warriors when they stand arrayed. 30 Specially, Soma, coming as a Sage from heaven to prosper us, Flow like the Sun for us to see. 19 The Courses* Etasa : here meaning Soma. Vdhnth (from vak, Lat. veho) is properly a horse of burden, or draught-horse. 21 Tlieft-ienda : the priests ; or perhaps the Maruts. Down sink: narake, into hell, says S&yana. 26 That longs for war : mahhasyUkvam : ' desiring wealth.' — Wilson. See IX. 61. 27, note. 28 Form : krip^ : stream, acoording to S&yana. 30 Specially : fidhdk : said by Y&ska to be the Vedic form of prithaky and to be used in tbe eeaee of prospering. See WilKOQ*&*lCr«.u%\»iXi\uiX)^^v\^^^^'^'^^^« Orfi'dAdA maf mean, lightly, caeily, without efifort.' 816 TBS BYMNS OF {BOOK it

Thb glittering maids send Sura forth, the glorioas sisters, dose* allied, Send Indu foi*th, their mighty Lord. 2 Pervade, 0 Pavamana, all our treasures with repeated lights God, coming hither from the Grods. 3 Pour on us, Pavamana, rain, as service and fair praise for Gods : Pour all to be our nourishment. 4 Thou art a Steer by lustre : we, 0 PavamsLna, faithfully Call upon thee the Splendid One. 6 Do thou, rejoicing, noblyarm6d ! pour upon us heroic strength : O Indu, come thou hitherward. 6 When thou art cleansed with both the hands and dipped in waters, with the wood Thou comest to the gathering-place. 7 Sing forth your songs, as Vyasva sang, to Somia Pavamina, to The Mighty One with thousand eyes ; 8 Whose coloured sap they drive with stones, the yellow meath- distilling juice, Indu for Indra, for his drink. 9 We seek to guin the friendly love of thee that Strong and Mighty One, Of thee the winner of all wealth, 10 Flow onward with thy stream, a Steer, inspiriting theMaruts' Lord, Winning all riches by thy might. Ill send thee forth to battle from the press, 0 PavamUna, Strong, Snstaiuer, looker on the light.

12 Acknowledged by this song of mine, flow, tawny-coloured, with thy stream : Incite to battle thine ally. 13 0 Indu, visible to all pour out for us abundant food : Soma, be thou our prosperer. 1 The glittering maids: the fingers, perhaps with reference to the gold rings worn by the priests when they press the Soma. SHra : here said to mean Soma ; * the invigorating/ — Wilson. The glmHoua iisteri : the fingers. Z As service : as the cause of worship. 6 With the wood : * (taken up) with the wooden vessel.'— Wilson. Ct IX. 1. 2. / Pyffspa : a. Risbi frequently mentioned m Book VIIL J2 T/i'ine ally '.- Jndra, MtMif ^8.] THE RIOVSDA. 81f 14 The pitchers, Indn, with thy streams have sung aloud in vigorous might : Enter them, and let Indra dtitik. 15 O thou whose potent gladdening juice they milk out with the stones, flow on. Destroyer of our enemies. \% King Pavam&na is implored with holy songs, on man's behalf, To travel through the firmameut. 17 Bring us, 0 ludu, hundredfold increase of kine, and noble steeds. The gift of fortune for our help. 18 Pressed for the banquet of the Gods, 0 Soma, bring us might,

and speed. Like beauty for a brilliant show. 19 Soma, flow on exceeding bright with loud roar to the wooden vats, Falcou-like resting in thine home. 20 Soma the Water-winner flows to Indra, Vayu, Varuna, To Vishnu and the Marut host. 21 Soma, bestowing food upon our progeny, from every side Pour on us riches thousandfold ! 32 The Soma juices which have been expressed afar or near at hand, Or there on Saryanal van's bauk, 23 Those pressed among Arjikas, pressed among the active, in men's homes. Or pressed among the Races Five — 24 May these celestial drops, expressed, pour forth upon us, as they flow, Rain from the heavens and hero strength. 25 Urged forward o'er the ox-hide flows the Lovely One of tawny hue. Lauded by Jamadagni's song. 26 Like horses urged to speed, the drops, bright, stirring vital power, when blent With milk, are beautified in streams. 22 BaryandvdfCB hank : this lake is said to be on the borders of the Kurukshetra country. 23 Arjthu : apparently a non- Aryan people in the North- West, See VIII. 58. 1 1. 25 OV i^ ox-hide : tjie leather sheet that receVv^ \^« ^\qV^v&%i^ ^\ ^^ SomtL

818 THE HYMNS OP {BOOK j£ 27 So they who toil with juices send thee forward for the Gk>d<' repast : So with this splendour flow thou on. 28 We choose to-day that chariot-steed of thine, the Strong, that brings us bliss, The Guardian, the desire of all, 29 The Excelleut, the Gladdener, the Sage with heart that un- derstands, The Guardian, the desire of all ; 30 Who for ourselves, 0 thou Most Wise, is wealth and fair intelligence, The Guardian, the desire of all.

For holy lore of every sort, flow onward thou whom all men love, A Friend to be besought by friends. 2 O'er all thou rulest with these Two which, Soma Pavam^na, stand, Turned, as thy stations, hitherward. 3 Wise Soma Pavamana, thou encompassest on every side Thy stations as the seasons come. 4 Flow onward, generating food, for precious boons of every kind, A F« iend for friends, to be our help. 5 Upon the lofty ridge of heaven thy bright rays with their essences, Soma, spread purifying power. 6 0 Soma, these Seven Rivers flow, as being thine, to give command : The streams of milk run forth to thee. 7 Flow onward. Soma in a stream, efi'used to gladden Tndra's heart. Bringing imperishable fame. 8 Drivinor thee in Vivasvan's course, the Seven Sistera with Made melody roimd thee the Sage. 2S The guardian ; p^ntam : according to Pischel, ' den schwellenden/ ' the swelling oue.' See his exhaustive excursus on the word in Vedisehe Studien, I. pp. 191—194. The Riahis are the hundr'"^ Vaikhdnasaa, said to have been a race of sainUy hermits sprung from tlie naiid of Praj&pati. 2 With these Tioo : probably a double asterism. See Hillebrandt, F. M. p. 446 ; and Qaidicke, Der Accusativ im Veda, p 199. S The stream of Soma is likened to the couraQ o{ Vlvasv&n or the Sun. -^^^ Siftvn Sislers are probibly the Seven Rivers ol %Vi%v\T.<a^^. k<»s»t^vck%io S4j'ana ' the aeveu iiudred (priestsy are luV^ended.

9 The virgins deck thee o'er fresh streams to drive thee to the sieve when thou, A singer, bathest in the wood. 10 The streams of Pavamana, thine, Sage, Mighty One, have poured them forth Like coursers eager for renown. 1 1 They have been poured upon the fleece towards the meath- distilling vat : I'he holy songs have sounded forth. 12 Like milch-kine coming home, the drops of Soma juice have reached the lake. Have reached the place of sacrifice. 13 0 Indu, to our great delight the running waters flow to us, When thou wilt robe thyself in milk. 14 In this thy friendship, and with thee to help us, fain tp sacrifice, Indu, we crave thy friendly love. 15 Flow on, 0 Soma, for the great Viewer of men, for gain of kine Enter thou into Indra's throat. 16 Best ait thou. Soma, of the great, Strongest of strong ones, Indu : thou As Warrior ever hast prevailed. 17 Mightier even than the strong, more valiant even than the brave, More liberal than the bountiful, 18 Soma, as Sura, bring us food, win offspring of our bodies : we Ellect thee for our frieudship, we elect thee for companionship.

19 Agni, thou pourest life; send down upon us food and vigorous strength : Drive thou misfortune far away. 20 Agni is Pavamana, Sage, Chief Priest of all the Races Five : To hirn whose wealth is great we pray. 21 Skilled in thy task, 0 Agni, pour splendour with hero strength on ns, Granting me wealth that nourishes. 9 The virginn : the fingers. 1^ The lake : the dronakal/isd or reservoir. 15 For gain of kine : gdvishtaye: according to SAyana, 'for the seeker of the kine of the Angirases.' 18 As SHra : see IX. 65. 1. * Who art a hero.'— Wilson. ' Prom the Sun.'— Ludwig. 19 Misfortune .- ducheAhAif dm : frequently ^^TBom^ed. «a vq^ ^'t\ '^^^x*^ ' the JidJkthasas. '—Wilsoa. 22 Beyond his enemies away to sweet praise PavamUna flows, Like Sdrya visible to all. 23 Adorned by living men, set forth for entertainment, rich in food, Far-sighted Indu is a Steed. 24 He, Pavamana, bath produced the lofty Law, the brilliant light, Destroying darkness black of hue. 25 From tawny Pavamslna, the Destroyer, radiant streams have sprung, Quick streams from him whose gleams are swift. 26 Best rider of the chariot, praised with fairest praise mid

beauteous ones, Gold-gleaming with the Marut host, 27 May PavamAna, best to win the booty, penetrate with rays. Giving the singer hero strength. 28 Over the fleecy sieve hath flowed the drop efl'used : to Indra comes Indu while he is purified. 29 This Soma, through the pressing-stones, is sporting on the ot- hide, and Summoning Indra to the draught. 30 0 Pavamana, bless us, so that we may live, with that bright milk Of thine which hath been brought from heaven.

Thou, Soma, hast a running stream, joyous, most strong at sacrifice : Flow bounteously bestowing wealth. 2 Effused as cheerer of the men, flowing best gladdener, thou art A Prince to Indra with thy juice. 3 Poured forth by pressing-stones, do thou with loud roar send us in a stream Most excellent illustrious might. 23 It a Steed : ' one who continually goes to the Gods/ ia 3Ayana*i explanation of dtyahf horse or courser. 26 TJie JDestroyer : of darkness. Cf. IX. 61. 30. i7 Penetrate : the whole world. — SAyana. 2P On the ox-hide •' see IX. 65. 25. S A Prince : Milfih : » rich and liberal v».tTOTk. BYMN 67.] TffS RIQ VEDA . 821 4 Inda, urged forward, floweth through the fleecy cloth : the Tawny One With his loud roar hath brought us strength. 5 Indu, thou fiowest through the fleece, bringing felicities and fame, And, Soma, spoil and wealth in kine. 6 Hither, 0 Indu, bring us wealth in steeds and cattle hundred- fold : Bring wealth, O Soma, thousandfold. 7 In purifying, through the sieve the rapid drops of Soma juice Come nigh to Indra in their course. 8 For Indra floweth excellent Indu, the noblest Soma juice. The Living for the Living One.

9 The glittering maids send Sdra forth : they with their song have sung aloud To Pavamina dropping meath. J 0 May Piishan, drawn by goats, be our protector, and on all his paths Bestow on us our share of maids. 1 1 This Soma flows like gladdening oil for him who wears the braided locks : He shall give us our share of maids. 12 This Soma juice, 0 glowing God, flows like pure oil, efiused for thee : He shall give us our share of maids. 13 Flow onward. Soma, in thy stream, begetter of the sages' speech : Wealth-giver among Gods art thou. 14 The Falcon dips within the jars : he wraps him in his robe and goes Loud roaring to the vats of wood. 15 Soma, thy juice hath been effused and poured into the pitcher : like A rapid hawk it rushes on. 16 For Indra flow most rich in sweets, O Soma, bringing him 9 7*he glittering maids send SHra forth : repeated from IX. 65. 1. 10 Our share cf maids : desirable and approved wives. — SAyana. 11 For him who wears the braided locks : kapardlne : see 1. 11*4. 1, and VII. 83. 8. Here Pilsbeai is intended.

12 0 glovfing Qod : PQshan. li The Fideim : the ialcon-Uke Soma. 17 They were sent forth to feast the Gods, like chariots that 18 Brilliant, best givers of delight, these juices have sent Vayu 19 Bruised by the press-stones and extolled, Soma, thou goest to the sieve, Giving the worshipper hero strength. 20 This juice bruised by the pressing-stones and lauded passes through the sieve, Slayer of demons, through the fleece. 210 Pavam^na, drive away the danger, whether near at hand Or far remote, that finds me here. 22 This day may Pavam^na cleanse us with his purifying power, Most active purifying Priest. 23 0 Agni, with the cleansing light diffused through all thy fiery glow, Purify thou this prayer of ours. 24 Cleanse us with thine own cleansing power, O Agni, that is bright with flame, And by libations poured to thee. 25 Savitar, God, by both of these, libation, purifying power, Purify me on every side. 26 Cleanse us, God Savitar, with Three, 0 Soma, with sublimest Agni, with forms of power and might. 27 May the Gods' company make me clean, and Vasus make me Purify me, ye General Gods ; 0 Jatavedas, make me pure.

28 Fill thyself full of juice, flow forth, O Soma, thou with all thy stalks. The best oblation to the Gods. 29 We with our homage have approached the Friend who seeks Young, strengthener of the solemn rite. 18 Have sent Vdyu forth: have drawn him down from heayen. 'Are let forth for Vftyu.' — Wilson. 26 The Three sublimest forms are said to be Agni, Vftyu, and Sillrya, or I'/re, Wind, and Sun. 2Z TAe Gods* company : the yajamdnas ox «a.cn$iR«», w IVa troop of Qada, | ladra and othevB. — Sdyana. 6rcneral God«: m«^3ede'oA\v: ot^^C^^^Qtaftsw ' iJTiry 68.] THE mOVEDA. 828 30 Lost is Al^yya's axe, 0 Soma, God : do thou send it back hither in thy flow Even, Soma, God, if 'twere a mole. 31 The man who reads the essence stored by saints, the P&vam&ni hymns, Tastes food completely purified, made sweet by Matarisvan's touch. 32 Whoever reads the essence stored by saints, the Pivamdnt hymns, Sarasvati draws forth for him water and butter, milk and meath. HYMN LXVIir. Soma PavamAna. The drops of Soma juice like cows who yield their milk have flowed forth, rich in meath, unto the Shining One, And, seated on the grass, raising their voice, assimied the milk, the covering robe wherewith the udders stream.

2 He bellows with a roar around the highest twigs : the Tawny One is sweetened as he breaks them up. Then, passing through the sieve into the ample room, the God throws off the dregs according to his wish. 3 The gladdening drink that measured out the meeting Twins fills full with milk the Eternal Ever-waxing Pair. Bringing to light the Two great Eegions limitless, moving above them he gained sheen that never fades. 30 This stanza is well-nigh unintelligible. Al&yya may, as is suggested in the St. Petersburg Lexicon, be a name of Indra, and the lost axe may be the thunderbolt which the poet thinks has long lain idle, and which Soma is prayed to replace in the hands of the Thunderer, even though it were worthless and mischievous like a mole. SAyana's interpretation is different : — 'May the battle-axe of the foe destroy the foe alone : flow to us, bright Soma ; (slay) the villain only, bright Soma.'— Wilson. Z\ By saints : by the Ilishis to whom they were revealed. Pdvamdnt hymn* : the hymns in this Book dedicated to the purification of the Soma juice. By Mdtarifvan'a touch : ' SAyana says MatanSvan means Vdyu because It breathes in the atmosphere antarikihe swasiti : the food is sweetened and purified by the purifying wind and the man eats it.' — Wilson. MAtarisvan probably represents Agni. _

1 The Shining One : devdm : the radiant Indra. The second line is obscure. According to S&yana, usHyd^ here means * cows' and not milk : — * the lowing kine sitting on the barhis grass hold in their udders the pure (juice) welling up.* — Wilson. 2 The highest twigs : of the Soma-plant, which as being the tenderest and juiciest are crushed first. — Ludwig. ' He with a noise reechoes the principal (praises) : separating the growing herbs, the green-tinted (Soma) sweetens them. ' — Wilson. 3 The meeting Twins/ Soma ia called the Creator and Pteaei^et ^i \v<e;v9«a j^nd earth. 324 THE HYMNS OF [BOOK iX. 4 Wandering through the Parents, strengthening the floods, the Sage makes his place swell with his own native might. The stalk is mixed with grain : he comes led by the men together with f he sisters, and preserves the Head. 5 With energetic intellect the Sage is bom, deposited as germ of Law, far froin the Twins. They being young at first showed visibly distinct the Creature that is hsJf-concealed and half-exposed. 6 The sages knew the form of him the Gladdener, what time the Falcon brought the plant from far away. Him who assures success they beautified in streams, the stalk who yearned therefor, mighty and meet for praise.

7 Together with the Kishis, with their prayers and hymns ten women deck thee. Soma, friendly when effused. Led by the men, with invocations of the Gods, through the fleece, thou hast given us strength to win the spoil. 8 Songs resonant with praise have celebrated him, Soma, Friend, springing forth, with his fair company. Even him who, rich in meath, with undulating stream, Winnner of Wealth, Immortal, sends his voice from heaven. 9 He sends it into all the region forth from heaven. Soma, while he is filtered, settles in the jars. With milk and waters is he decked when pressed with stones: Indu, when purified, shall find sweet rest and room. 10 Even thus poured forth flow on thy way, 0 Soma, vouchsafing us most manifold lively vigour. We will invoke benevolent Earth and Heaven. Give us, ye Gods, riches with noble heroes,

Laid like an arrow on the bow the hymn hath been loosed like a young calf to the udder of its dam. 4 The Parents: heaven and earth. Tkejloods : the waters of the firmament. Gram : especially barley. Makes his place swdl : enriches his own station, the uttaravedi or northward altar. 7%e sisters : the fingers. The Head : apparently St!trya. ' Silyana*s explanation of sirahf viz., ^n$am hhtUajdtam (the withered world ?), needs explaining more than the origmal itself. * — Wilson. 5 The Sage : the Sun. Far from the Twins : rising in a distant r^jjpn beyond heaven and earth. The Creature that is haZf-conceaied and m^' exposed : the meaning appears to be, as Ludwig says, that heaven and ear&i while they were yet iinseparated, produced the Moon : the Sun came into being only when tney had been separated through Soma's energetic agency. 7 Ten women : the fingers. 1 Math been loosed, dke. : ' is let \ooae tx> (.IndLt^b'^ ^« iQe>\Ax«c «a a calf to the udder of if mother.' * S&yana takea HdKaui \\iQ \.\i^ \)AdLSt\Wtfi^ ^^^\ Vi BTMN 69.] Tff£ niQVEDA. 325 As one who cometh first with full stream she is milked : thus Soma is impelled to this man's holy rites.

S The thought is deeply fixed ; the savoury juioe is shed ; the tongue with joyous sound is stirring in the mouth ; And Pavam&na, like the shout of combatants, the drop rich in sweet juice, is flowing through the fleeoe. 3 He flows about the sheep-skin, longing for a bride : he loosens Aditi's Daughters for the worshipper. The sacred drink hath come, gold-tinted, well-restrained : like a strong Bull he shines, whetting his manly might. 4 The Bull is bellowing ; the Cows are coming nigh : the Grod- desses approach the God's own resting-place. Onward hath Soma passed through the sheep's fair bright fleece, and hath, as 'twere, endued a garment newly washed. 5 The golden«hued, Immortal, newly bathed, puts on a brightly- shining vesture that is never harmed. He made the ridge of heaven to be his radiant robe, the sprinkling of the bowls from moisture of the sky. 6 Even as the beams of Surya, urging men to speed, that cheer and send to sleep, together rush they forth, These swift outpourings in long course of holy rites : no form save only Indra shows itself so pure. 7 As down the steep slope of a river to the vale, drawn from

the Steer the swift strong draughts have found a way. ttys it is used of /ndt'a because he is the nourisher of everything.' — Wilson. Ai one uko cometh jflrst : according to Sftyana, as a cow coming before her calf yields her milk, (so Indra, coming before hia worshippers pours various blessings upon them). First : dgre : at the head ; at the beginning of the religious ceremony. 2 The tongue wUh joyout sound is stirring in the mouth : probably the priest's tongue influenced by the exhilarating Soma juice. * The Soma stream, •mittdng pleasant juice is driven into (Indra's) mouth.' — Wilson. 8 Longing for a bride : seeking the waters with which he is to be united. Aditi^s Daughters : probably, the plants, whose buds Soma as the Moon opens and fertilizes with his nectareous beams. ' The daughters of Infinity [Aditi] •re probably the quarters of the sky.' — Ludwig. 4 The Bull : Soma. According to Sftyana, the Cows are the propitiatory hymns of praise, which are called also Goddesses or divine. B Brightly -shining vesture : the milk with which the Soma juice is mixed. SAyana explains the second half of the stanza differently, taking charnvbh^t bowls or beakers into which the Soma juice is poured, as meaning metaphorically the two great receptacles of all living beings, or heaven and eartb, and introducing Aditya who is not mentioned in the text : — ' he has created ( Aditya) who stands on the back of the sky for the destruotioii (ot Bvn^ ociidL ^>]LT\&&«.\KKr(i^ {vid hae created) Aditya'a brUU&ace, the cover o£ the tvio YioiVdA.'— ^'"^^"Qk.

829 THE HYMNS OP [BOOK m Well be it with the men and cattle in our home. May powers, O Soma, may the people stay with us. 8 Pour out upon us wealth in goods, in gold, in steeds, in cattle and in com, and great heroic strength. Ye, Soma, are my Fathers, lifted up on high as heads of heaven and makers of the strength of life. 9 These Pavamslnas here, these drops of Soma, to Indra have sped forth like cars to booty. Effused, they pass the cleansing fleece, while, gold-hued, they cast their covering off to pour the rain down. 10 0 Indu, flow thou on for lofty Indra, flow blameless, very gracious, foe-destroyer. Bring splendid treasures to the man who lauds thee. 0 Heaven and Earth, with all the Grods protect us.

The three times seven Milch-kine in the eastern heaven have for this Soma poured the genuine milky draught. Four other beauteous Creatures hath he made for his adornment, when he waxed in strength through holy rites. 2 Longing for lovely Amrit, by his wisdom he divided, each apart from other, earth and heaven. He gladly wrapped himself in the most lucid floods, when through their glory they found the God's resting-place. 3 May those his brilliant rays be ever free from death, inviolate^ for both classes of created things, — Rays wherewith powers of men and Grods are purified. Yea, even for this have sages welcomed him as King. 4 He, while he is adorned by the ten skilful ones, that he too in the Midmost Mothers may create. 7 Vdjdh and krishtdyah, powers and people, are explained hy S&yana as * food • and * offspring.* 8 Ye, Soma : * Soma is treated as plural hy attraction ; or, as S&yana pute it, the plurality of the pitris is applied to Soma.' — Wilson. Probably* Moon and Stars are intended. See Hillebrandt, V. M., I. p. 398. 10 With all the Oods: devaih: * $ubhagairdhanaih with auspicious riches.*— SAyana.

1 The three timet seven Milch -kine are, according to S&yana, the twelve months, the five seasons, the three worlds, and Aditya or the Sun. Probably, as Ludwig says, the seven celestial rivers, multiplied by three to correspoiKl with the threefold division of the heavens, are intended. These supply the genuine draught, in contrast to the four other beauteous creatures, the Yasattvart and the three Ekadhanft waters, which are terrestrial and factitious, made to adorn or purify Soma. S Moth classes : animate and inanimate. Or Oodi^ ^tA mocL. 4 TAe ten skilful ones : the fingers. TKe M.\dmw)sl MotVw* i VJoa ^tsragsa BTMSi 70.1 THE RIOVSDA. 327 While he is watching o'er the lovely Amrit's ways, looks on both races as Beholder of mankiud. 5 He, while he is adorned to stream forth mighty strength, rejoices in his place between the earth and heaven. The Steer dispels the evil-hearted with his might, aiming at offerings as an archer at the game. 6 Beholding, as it were, Two Mother Cows, the Steer goes roar- ing on his way even as the Maruts roar. Knowing Eternal Law, the earliest light of heaven, he, passing wise, was chosen out to tell it forth.

7 The fearful Bull is bellowing with violent might, far-sighted, sharpening his yellow-coloured horns. Soma assumes his seat in the well-fashioned place : the cowhide and the sheepskin are his ornament. 8 Bright, making pure his body free from spot and stain, on the sheep's bjick the Golden-coloured hath flowed down. Acceptable to Mitra, VA,yu, Varuna, he is prepared as threefold meath by skilful nien. 9 Flow on for the Gods' banquet, Soma, as a Steer, and enter Indra's heart, the Soma's reservoir. Bear us beyond misfortune ere we be oppressed : the man who knows the land directs the man who asks. 16 Urged like a car-steed, flow to strength, 0 Soma : Indu, flow onward to the throat of Indra. Skilled, bear us past, as in a boat o'er water : as battling Hero save us from the foeman. that hang between heaven and earth, in which, perhaps, Soma aids in producing the rain. But the meaning is uncertain. S^yana explains prami by lt£dn pranUttum, 'to measure out, or create, the worlds.' Both races : Qods and men. 6 Am it «wr«, Two Mother Cows : Heaven and Earth. S4yana explains the second P&da of the second line differently :—* the intelligent (Pavamlna) chose man to be the offerer of his praise.' — Wilson.

8 Threefold : according to Sftyana, mixed with the Vasatlvarl water, curds, and milk. Probably, poured into three separate vessels, one for each of the three deities mentioned. 9 The man who knows the land : who is acquainted with the roads or ways. ' Sftyana completes the simile : ^' as by telling him he protects (helps) him, so d<> thou who knowest the roads of the sacrifice protect ua by telling us the Baciificial paths." * — Wilson. But, of course, the application is intr"-*-^ *- be general. 10 Bear ti$ past : carry us over all difficulties and dangers. fsa»/ nidah/ 'from the reviling {of the foe).* — ^WUaoUt

The guerdon is bestowed : the Mighty takes his seat, and, everwatchful, guards from fiend and evil sprite. Gold-hued, he makes the cloud his diadem, the milk his carpet iu both worlds, and prayer his robe of state. 2 Strong, bellowing, he goes, like one who slays the folk ; he lets this hue of Asuras flow off from him, Throws off his covering, seeks his father's meeting-place, and thus makes for himself the bright robe he assumes. 3 Onward he flows, from both the hands, piessed out with stones ; excited by the prayer, the water makes him wild. He frolics and draws near, completes his work with song, and bathes in streams to satisfy the worshipper. 4 They pour out meath around the Master of the house. Celestial Strengthener of the mountain that gives might ; In whom, through his great powers, oblation-eating cows in their uplifted udder mix their choicest milk. 5 They, the ten sisters, on the lap of Aditi, have sent him for- ward like a car from both the arms. He wanders and comes near the Cow's mysterious place, even the place which his inventions have produced. 6 Like as a falcon to his home, so speeds the God to his own

golden wisely-fashioned place to rest. 1 The guerdon : the honorarium given to the priests, consisting originally of a cow. The Mighty : Soma. His carpet : upastire : that which is spread, scattered, or sprinkied. Cp. IX. 69. 5, where upattdranam is translated hy 2 Hue of Asuras: or, celestial brightness; ' Himmelsglanz.* — Grassmann. * He puts forth that ^«ira-slaying tint of his'. — Wilson. SeeJcs his father" » meeting place : goes to meet the yajamdna or sacrificer. According to S^yana : * the food (pitahj, that is, the Soma, goes to the prepared reservoir.* 3 2^e water makes him wild : vrishdydte ndbhasd : ndbha^ in the Soma^ hymns is used to signify either the rain-water in which, or the cloud from which, the Soma flows to the earth. Here it means the water with which the Soma-plant is sprinkled. See Vedische Studierij I. p 135. According to Ludwig : 'he acts like a bull in the sea of cloud.' To satisfy the vforshipper : I adopt Ludwig's suggestion and take ydjate as a dative of the participle. Wilson translates, after S^yana :— * he is honoured at the (god) — protected (sacrifice).* 4 The Master of the house : according to Sdyana, the conqueror of the fort of the enemy. See IX. 78. 3. The mountain that gives might : the cloud. In the second half of this stanza I adopt S&yana's interpretation as a makeshift, although it seems impossible that m'^rdhdrtf * head,' should here mean

* uplifted.' Ludwig takes itdhani, * udder,' in the sense of * behalter/ or receptacle into which the Soma flows. 3 On the lap of Aditi: on the earth, 'near to the ground.* — Wilson -f%^ Crow's mysiericus plaoe : or, distant ig»V«kW^ \^ XXx^ vadd^i; of heftvep, the cloud. With Bong they urge the darling to the sacred grass : the Holy One goes like a courser to the Gods. 7 From far away, from heaven, the red-hued noted Sage, Steer of the triple height, hath sung unto the kine. With thousand guidings he, leading this way and that, shines, as a siuger, splendidly through many a mom. 8 His covering assumes a radiant hue ; where'er he comes into the fight he drives the foe afar. The Winner of the Floods, with food he seeks the host of heaven, he comes to praises glorified with milk. 9 Like a bull roaming round the herds he bellows : he hath assumed the brilliancy of Siirya. Down to the earth hath looked the heavenly Falcon : Soma with wisdom views all living creatures.

They cleanse the Gold-hued : like a red Steed is he yoked, and Soma in the jar is mingled with the milk. He sendeth out his voice, and many loving friends of him the highly-lauded hasten with their songs. 2 The many sages utter words in unison, while into Indra's throat they pour the Soma juice. When, with the ten that dwell together closely joined, the men whose hands are skilful cleanse the lovely meath. 3 He goes upon his way, unresting, to the cows, over the roaring sound which SArya's Daughter loves. The Falcon brought it to him for his own delight : now with the twofold kindred sisters is his home. 4 Washed by the men, stone-pressed, dear on the holy grass, faithful to seasons. Lord of cattle from of old. Most liberal, completing sacrifice for men, 0 Indraj pure bright Soma, Indu, flows for thee. 7 Of the triple height : workiug in heaven, firmament, and earth. — Ludwig. See IX. 75. 8. 9 The heavenly Falcon : divydh suparndh: 'celestial, flying gracefully.' — Wilson. Soma, says S&yapa, is said to go gracef uUy, * because it is carried ofif by OAyatri in the shape of a hawk.'

2 Indra*8 : throat : literally, belly ; the drondkalasa or reservoir. The 8 The cows : the milk and curds. The roaring sound of the effused Soma is said to be dear to Siirya's Daughter, Ushas or Dawn, because it is chiefly beard in the early morning. The Falcon : I adopt Lud wig's interpretation of the strange word vinamgrisdh^ as no other meaning seems suitable here. According to S&yana» the word means praiser, or wor«\i\^^x. Th.e l^nojoX^ Jfindred sifters; the &n^era of both hau(^. 5 O Indra, urged by arms of men and poured in streams, Soma flows on for tliee after his Godlike kind. Plans thou fulfillest, gatherest thoughts for sacrifice : in the bowls sits the Gold-bued like a roosting bird. 6 Sages well-skilled in work, intelligent, drain out the stalk that roars, the Sage, the Everlasting One. The milk, the hymns unite them with him in the place of sacrifice, his seat who is produced anew. 7 Earth's central point, sustainer of the mighty heavens, distil- led into the streams, into the waters' wave, As Indra's thunderbolt. Steer with far-spreading wealth. Soma is flowing on to make the heart rejoice. 8 Over the earthly region flow thou on thy way, helping the

praiser and the pourer, thou Most Wise. Let us not lack rich treasure reaching to our home, and may we clothe ourselves in manifold bright wealth. 9 Hither, 0 Indu, unto us a hundred gifts of steeds, a thousand gifts of cattle and of gold, Measure thou forth, yea, splendid ample strengthening food; do thon, 0 Pavamana, heed this laud of ours.

They from the spouting drop have sounded at the rim : naves speed together to the place of sacrifice. That Asura hath formed, to seize, three lofty heights. The ships of truth have borne the pious man across. 2 The strong Steers, gathering, have duly stirred themselves, and over the stream's wave the friends sent forth the song. Engendering the hymn, with flowing streams of meath, Indra's dear body have they caused to wax in strength. 3 With sanctifying gear they sit around the song : their ancient Father guards their holy work from harm. 7 ITie heart : of Indra. As Indra*8 thunderbolt : cp. IX. 77. 1. 1 They : the pressing- stones, from whose rim or edge the Soma-drops fall noisily. Naves : by synecdoche wheels, again by the same figure, chariots, and then by metaphor the swiftly-running Soraa-drops. That Asura : the divine Soma. To seize : to be hel<i and used. Three lofty heights : the three elevated worlds. The ships of truth : or, of the truthful (Soma). According to Sdyana, the four vessels which hold the Aditya, Agrayana, Ukthya, ana Dhruva libations. 2 The strong Steers : the priests. 3 TAeir ancient Father : Soma ; or, perhaps, Agni. Varuna : * Soma tiie M/I-envelopper/ — Wilaon. ITiwi; Soma, In «u%tamlug Hood* ; m the Vasattrarf waterB.— SA^antk,

MtM^il^ THB RIGVSDA. 831 Yamna hath o'erspread the mighty sea of air. Sages had power to hold him in sustaining floods. 4 Sweet-tongued, exhaustless, they have sent their voices down together, in heaven's vault that pours a thousand streams. His wildly-restless warders never close an eye : in every place are found the bonds that bind man fast. 5 O'er Sire and Mother they have roared in unison, bright with the verse of praise, burning up riteless men. Blowing away with supernatural might from earth and from the heavens the swarthy skin which Indra hates. 6 Those which, as guides of song and counsellors of speed, were manifested from their ancient dwelling place, — From these the eyeless and the deaf have turned aside : the wicked travel not the pathway of the Law. 7 What time the filter with a thousand streams is stretched, the thoughtful sages purify their song therein. Bright-coloured are their spies, vigorous, void of guile, excellent, fair to see, beholders of mankind. 8 Guardian of Law, most wise, he may not be deceived : three Purifiers hath he set within his heart. With wisdom he beholds all creatures that exist : he drives into the pit the hated riteless ones.

9 The thread of sacrifice spun in the cleansing sieve, on Yaruna's tongue-tip, by supernatural might, — This, by their striving, have the prudent ones attained : he who hath not this power shall sink into the pit. HYMN LXXIY. Soma PavamAna* Born like a youngling he hath clamoured in the wood, when he, the Red, the Strong, would win the light of heaven. 4 They : the beams that radiate from Soma ; tomarcttmayah : Soma-rays. — Sftyana. 5 Sire and Mother : the general parents, Heaven and Earth. The swarthy ihin : * the black-skinned (Rakshaxas)* — Wilson. 6 Those: rays. I follow S&yana's interpretation. The first line is very obscure. 7 The filter : the tip of their tongue. Cf. stanza 9, and hymn 76. 2. See Bergaigne, La Religion Vidiquet I. 283. Bright coloured : mdrdsah : sons of Rudra, according to Sftyana. But see Vedische Studien, I. pp. 55, 56. ,. 8 Of Law : of law-ordained sacrifice. The three PuHfiers whom Soma seta within his heart and combines in his own being are Agni, Yftvu, Surya, the purifying powers of fire, wind, and sun. 9 On Varuna*8 tongue-tip: the Vasatlvarl waters in which Soma dwells (vasati) stand on the tip of Varuna's tongue. — S&yana. ffe who hath not this power : * he who is incompetent for the rite.' — Wilson.

2 IniAe WHKf: in tb^ wooden vat. According to ^^yttui^, ^'m >j>aft ^^^^* He Gomes with heavenly seed that makes the water swell : him for wide-spreading shelter we implore with prayer. 2 A far-extended pillar that supports the sky, the Soma-stalk, filled full, moves itself every way. He shall bring both these great worlds while the rite proceeds: the Sage holds these who move together and all food. 3 Wide space hath he who follows Aditi's right path, and mighty, well-made food, meath blent with Soma juice ; He who from hence commands the rain. Steer of the kine, Leader of floods, who helps us hence, who claims our laud. 4 Butter and milk are drawn from animated cloud ; thence Amrit is produced, centre of sacrifice. Him the Most Bounteous Ones, ever-united, love ; him as our Friend the Men who make all swell rain down. 5 The Soma-stalk hath roared, following with the wave : he swells with sap for man the skin which Gods enjoy. Upon the lap of Aditi he lays the germ, by means wherof we gain children and progeny. 6 In the third region which distils a thousand streams, may the Exhaustless Ones descend with procreant power. The kindred Four have been sent downward from the heavens : dropping with oil they bring Amrit and sacred gifts.

7 Soma assumes white colour when he strives to gain : the bounteous Asura knows full many a precious boon. Down the steep slope, through song, he comes to sacrifice, and he will burst the water-holding cask of heaven, 2 ffe shall bHng both these great worlds : shall bring Heaven and Earth to the sacrifice. 3 He who follows AdttVs right path : the regularly moving moon. S&jana takes dditih with gavyHtth : * the way to earth is broad.' — Wilson. Somewhat ftimilarly Hillebrandt, V. M., I. 860. 4 The Most Bounteous OneSf the Men who make all swell, are, probably, the Maruts who fertilize the earth, and send Soma down in the rain. S&yapa's explanation is different : — * the assembled liberal givers [the yajamdnai or Bacrificers] delight him : (the Soma juices) the leaders, the protectors shower down the accumulated (water) ' — Wilson. For the meaning oip^ravuh. those who swell, or cause to swell, ' protectors' according to S&yana, see VediscKe StudieUf J. p. 85. 6 For man : for the sacrificer. The shin : his own body. — Sftyana. Upon the lap of Aditi : of the earth, according to S&yana. The meaning is that Soma is the source of all Nature's productive power.

6 In the thifd region : dwelling in heaven. The Exhaustless Ones : these are the Icindred Four of the following line, meaning, according to Sftyaua, four rays or digits of Soma. It is most probable that the four Goddesses Siniv^, Kuhu or GuugCi, B4kA, and Anumati are meant. Cp. II. 32. 6, 7.' — Ludwig. / Strives to gain: seeks to enjoy heaven.— ^^^wi«*. TKe \Datcr-AoWm^ coeib ; 8 Yea, to the shining milk-anointed beaker, as to his goal, hath stepped the conquering Courser. PiousHsouled men have sent their gifts of cattle unto Eakshiv4n of the hundred winters. 9 Soma, thy juice when thou art blended with the streams, flows, Pavam&na, through the long wool of the sheepi So, cleansed by sages, O best giver of delight, grow sweet for Indra, Pavams^na ! for his drink.

GRACiousLY-MmDBD he is flowing on his way to win dear names o'er which the Youthful One grows great. The Mighty and Far-seing One hath mounted now the mighty SArya's car which moves to every side. 2 The Speaker, unassailable Master of this hymn, the Tongue of sacrifice pours forth the pleasant meath. Within the histrous region of the heavens the Son makes the third secret name of Mother and of Sire. 3 Sending forth flashes he hath bellowed to the jars, led by the men into the golden reservoir. The milky streams of sacrifice have sung to him : he of the triple height shines brightly through the moms. 4 Pressed by the stones, with hymns, and graciously inclined, illuminating both the Parents, Heaven and Earth, He flows in ordered season onward through the fleece, a current of sweet juice still swelling day by day. 5 Flow onward. Soma, flow to bring prosperity : cleansed by the men, invest thee with the milky draught. What gladdening drinks thou hast, foaming, exceeding strong, even with these incite Indra to give us wealth. 8 The conquering Courier: the swiftly-flowing Soma. KaJcikivdn: the Bishi of the hymn. 1 O'er which : that is the Youthful One* the fresh and strong Soma, exceeds in greatness even the high titles which he wins by his gracious deeds.

2 Speaker; Master; Tongue of sacrifice: Soma, the giver of eloquence. The Son : Soma. Of if other and of Sire : of his parents, Heaven and Earth. What the third secret name, that is, probably, a name in addition to those of Heaven and Earth, and comprising both deities, may be, does not appear. Sdyana's explanation is different : — * the son (the sacrificer) assumes a third imme unknown to his parents ; ' that is, Wilson adds, ' a name not given at birth... He [S&yana] cites Baudh4yana, who gives Somaydjin [Somay&ga sacrificerj as an instance of a third name.* 8 The milky streami : cf. I. 144. 2. Of the triple height: dwelling in. thr«a high places, heaven, the jSrmament or the mountam-top, ^n^ >^<^ ^^V!.^ ^V var>> riSee. Cf. IX. 71. 7.

On flows the potent juice, sustainer of the heavens, the strength of Gods, whom men must hail with shouts of joy. The Gold-hued, started like a courser by brave men, impetuously winneth splendour in the streams. 2 He takes his weapons, like a hero, in his hands, fain to win light, car-borne, in forays for the kine. Indu, while stimulating Indra's might, is urged forward and balmed by sages skilful in their task. 3 Soma, as thou art purified with flowing wave, exhibiting thy strength enter thou Indra's throat. Make both worlds stream for us, as lightning doth the clouds : mete out exhaustless powers for us, as 'twere through song. 4 Onward he flows, the King of all that sees the light : the Kishis' Lord hath raised the song of sacrifice ; Even he who is adorned with SArya's arrowy beam, Father of hymns, whose wisdom is beyond our reach. 5 Like as a bull to herds, thou flowest to the pail, bellowing as a steer upon the waters' lap. So, best of Cheerers, thou for Indra flowest on that we, with thy protection, may o'ercome in fight.

More beauteous than the beautiful, as Indra's bolt, this Soma, rich iu sweets, hath clamoured in the vat. Dropping with oil, abundant, streams of sacrifice flow unto him like milch-kine, lowing, with their milk. 2 On flows that Ancient One whom, hitherward, from heaven, sped through the region of the air, the Falcon snatched. He, quivering with alarm and terrified in heart before bowarmed Krisauu, holdeth fast the sweet. 3 May those first freshest drops of Soma juice eff'used flow on their way to bring us mighty strength iu kine. Beauteous as serpents, worthy to be looked upon, they whom each sacred gift and all our prayers have pleased. Z Ai 'twere through song : *now with the rite, *. c. at the very time the rite is being performed.' —Wilson. 2 The Falcon : see I. 93. 6. He : Soma, according to Sftyana, but more probably the falcon. Krhdnu : the archer who guards the celestial Soma. Seel. 112.21. S S(g/pefUg.' the meaning of ahydk is uncertain here. S&yana explains it bjr striyah, women : — * pleasing to look u^on "VSka \>fe«oX5lul well-adorned (women). '— Wilson. 4 May that much-landed Indu, with a heart inclined to us, well-

knowing, fight against our enemies. He who hath brought the germ beside the Strong One's seat moves onward to the widely-opened stall of kine. 5 The active potent juice of heaven is flowing on, great Varuna whom the froward man can ne*er deceive. Mitra, the Holy, hath been pressed for troubled times, neighing like an impatient horse amid the herd.

Kaising his voice the King hath flowed upon his way : invested with the waters he would win the kine. The fleece retains his solid parts as though impure, and bright and cleansed he seeks the special place of Gods. 2 Thou, Soma, art effused for Indra by the men, balmed in the wood as wave, Sage, Viewer of mankind. Full many are the paths whereon thou mayest go : a thousand bay steeds hast thou resting in the bowls. 3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea, sitting within, have flowed to Soma wise of heart. They urge the Master of the house upon his way, and to the Eternal Pavam&na pray for bliss. 4 Soma flows on for us as winner of the kine, winner of thousands, cars, water, and light, and gold ; He whom the Gods have made a gladdening draught to drink, the drop most sweet to taste, weal-bringing, red of hue. 4 He who hMh brougJit the germ : here the sacrificer and not Soma is meant. — Ludwig. The Strong One : Agni. 5 In this stanza Soma is compared to, or mystically identified with, Varuna and Mitra. S&yana leaves VaT^na unexplained, but interprets Mitra by garveshdm mitrcAhiltah, * (Soma) the friend of all.'

1 Thejleece: literally, the sheep ; the filter made of wool. Solid parts: tStnvd : tbe fragments of stalk which will not pass through the strainer. According to Sftyana, * with its own covering,' — * the sheep with its fleece.' — Wilson. The special place of Gods : the vessels which hold the libations asiigned to various Sods. 2 Balmed in the vjood : according to S&yana, ' art driven into the water.' Bay steeds : swiftly-running tawny drops. 3 Apsarases who dwell in waters of the sea : * nymphs of the firmament.' — Wilson. The mymphs are identified with their element, and represent the water with which the Soma juice is mixed. The Master of the house: harmyasya sakshdnim : Soma. In IX. 71.4, S&yana explains these words as ' overpowerer, or stormer of the fort of the enemy.' and in this place as * the sprinkler of the hall of sacrifice.' Sdhshdni, from the root sah, means overpowerer, and from the root sach, connected with, esj^daW-^ ^ xcc^^^x vsA poMBSgor, 5 Soma, as Pavamslna thou, our faithful Friend, making for us these real treasures, flowest on. Slay thou the enemy both near and far away : grant us security and ample pasturage.

Spontaneous let our drops of Soma juice flow on, pressed, gol- den-hued, among the Gods of lofty heaven. Perish among us they who give no gifts of food ! perish the godless ! May our prayers obtain success. 2 Forward to us the drops, distilling meath, shall flow, like riches for whose sake we urge the horses on. Beyond the crafty hindering of all mortal men may we continually bear precious wealth away. 3 Yea, verily, foe of hate shown to himself is he, yea, verily, des- troyer too of other hate. As thirst subdueth in the desert, conquer thou, 0 Soma Pavamana, men of evil thoughts. 4 Near kin to thee is he, raised loftiest in the heavens : upon the earth's high ridge thy scions have grown forth. The press-stones chew and crunch thee on the ox's hide : sages have milked thee with their hands into the streams. 5 So do they hurry on thy strong and beauteous juice, O Indu, as the first ingredient of the draught. Bring low, thou Pavamana, every single foe, and be thy might shown forth as sweet and gladdening drink.

On flows the stream of Soma who beholds mankind : by everlasting Law he calls the Gods from heaven. He lightens with the roaring of Brihaspati : the lakes have not contained the pourings of the juice. 1 They who give no gifts of food : I can find no satisfactory explanation of iahah drdtiyah, so I give S&ya^a's interpretation as a makeshift. 'May they be destroyed who are the withholders of food from us.' — Wilson. 2 Urge the horses on : Sftyana explains drvatah, horses, by * strong enemy.' * By whose aid we encounter the powerful (enemy).' — Wilson. 3 * Soma knows how to defend not only himself, but us also.* — Ludwig. Destroyer : literally, the wolf. 4 He: * the Moon.' — Ludwig. 'Thy best juice dwells in the navel of heaven, that which receives (the oblation).' — Wilson. On the ox*s hide: * Although men of the present time pour out the Soma upon the skin of a black antelope and not on a cowhide or oxhide, still it is measured out for •Hie on an oxhide.' — Sftyana. 1 The roaring of Brihaspati : that i«i, says S^yana, the voice or praise of

the worshipper. Agni may be intended, as Ludwig suggests. The lalcea : or geas fsamudrSlaah )f probably the BoTaa-T«a«r?ov». ^^^ana takes n^ as a particle of comparison : — * the Ubation^ co^ex (^x^iq ^x^JdlS^^^ xv^ws^:— ^'^aMa, MTMJ^nJl THE RIOVBDA. 887 ''2 Tbouy powerfiil Soma, thou to whom the cows have lowed, ascendest, bright with sheen, thine iron-fashioned home. Thou, leugtheniug our priuoes' life and high renown, flowest for India as his mighty gladdening drink. B Best giver of delight, be flows to Indra's throat, robing himself in might, Auspicious One, for fame. He spreads himself abroad to meet all things that be : the vigorous Tawny Steed flows sporting on his way. 4 The men, the ten swift fingers, milk thee out for Gods, even thee most rich in meath, with thousHnd flowing streams. Soma who winnest thousands, driven by the men, expressed with stones, bring, as thou flowest, all the Gods. 5 Deft-handed men with stones, the ten swift fingers, drain thee into waters, thee, the Steer enriched with sweets. Thou, Soma, gladdening Indra and the Heavenly Host, flowest as Pavamana like a river's wave.

Onward to Indra's throat move, beauteously adorned, the waves of Soma as lie purifies himself. When they, brought forward with the lovely curd of kine, eflfused, have cheered the Hero to bestow his gifts. 2 Hither hath Soma flowed unto the beakers, like a chariot- horse, a stallion swift upon his way. Thus, knowing both the generations, he obtains the rights and dues of Gods from yonder and from hence. 3 While thou art cleansed, 0 Soma, scatter wealth on us ; Indu, bestow great bounty as a liberal Prince. Giver of life, with wisdom help to opulence ; strew not our home possestiions far away from us. 4 Hither let Pushan Pavamana come to us, Varuna, Mitra, bountiful, of one accord, The Maruts, Asvins, Vayu, and Brihaspati, Savitar, Tvashtar, tractable Sarasvati. 2 Iron-fcahioned home : see IX. 1. 2. 2 Both the generations : of Gods and men. S4yana takea uhhdyatya jdnmanalh yfiith devSln/im : — * and knowing both races of gods — those who come to (the sacrifice) from the other world and those who (come) from thii world.' — Wilson. 3 Help to opulence : according to Sftyana, ' help Yasu (the Rishi of the bymn) to prosperity.'

4 Tractable: suyamd: easily led (by prayer). Accor6ia%\o^ViMiak~%Mwv prakd, beautifalin form, 5 Both Heaven and Earth, the all-invigorating Pair, Yidh&tar, Aditi, and Aryaman the God, Bhaga who blesses men, the spacious Firmament, — let all the Gods in Pavamana take delight.

Even as a King hath Soma, red and tawny Bull, been pressed : the Wondrous One hath bellowed to the kine. While purified he passes through the filtering fleece to seat him hawk-like on the place that drops with oil. 2 To glory goest thou. Sage with disposing skill, like a groomed steed thou rushest forward to the prize. 0 Soma, be thou gracious, driving off distress : thou goest, clothed in butter, to a robe of state. 3 Parjanya is the Father of the Mighty Bird : on mountains, in earth's centre hath he made his home. The waters too have flowed, the Sisters, to the kine : he meets the pressing-stones at the beloved rite. 4: Thou givest pleasure as a wife delights her lord. Listen, 0 Child of Pajra, for to thee I speak. Amid the holy songs go on that we may live ; in time of trouble. Soma, watch thou free from blame. 5 As to the men of old thou earnest, Indu, unharmed, to strengthen, winning hundreds, thousands, So now for new felicity flow onward : the waters follow as thy law ordaineth.

Spread is thy cleansing filter, Brahmanaspati : as Prince, thou entere-st its limbs from every side. 5 All-invigorating : visvaminve: * all -pervading.' — S&yana. VidMtar : tbe Disposer, regarded as a separate deity, as Dh&tar is the Maker, Ordainer, or Edtiiblisher. 1 As a King: * magnificent as a king.' — Wilson. That drops with oil: S&yana here explains ghritdvautam by udakavantam, wateiy. 2 To a robe of state : nirnijam: *to tbe cleansing (vessel).' — Wilson. 3 Parjanya : the God of the rain-cloud and waters of the air in which the mighty Bird, the Moon, is born. Jn earth's centre : at the altar, in the oblation. 4 Pajrd : according to Sdyana, the earth. The St. Petersburg Lexicon explains the word as meaning the moist fresh Soma-plant of which Soma, the juice, is the child. Perhaps, as Ludwig suggests, Pajr& may be the name of the sacrificer's wife. • 1 Brahmanappati's filter appears to be the heavenly filter through which the rain descends to earth. See Bergaigne, La Religion V^dique, I. 79, 201. J^4^ raw : uncooked, oblation. W^icft. hear : ' bearing (the sacrifice).' — Wilson. \7%M.' according to S&yana, to tVuB filter. li>idm^\i^i\\i)8& %}a»X. Mswl^x ^^r^a

£9 uieant bj * tat/ The raw, whose mass hath not been heated, gains not this : they only which are dressed, which bear, attain to it. 2 High in the seat of heaven is spread the Scorcher's sieve : its threads are standing separate, glittering with light. The Swift Ones favour him who purifieth this : with consciousness they stand upon the height of heaven. 3 The foremost spotted Steer hath made the Mornings shine, and yearning after strength sustains all tilings that be. By his high wisdom have the Mighty Sages wrought : the Fathers who behold mankind laid down the germ. 4 Gandharva verily protects his dwelling-place ; Wondrous, he guards the generations of the Gods. Lord of the snare, he takes the foeman with the snare : those who are most devout have gained a share of meath. 5 Rich in oblations ! robed in clond, thou compassest oblation, sacrifice, the mighty seat of Gods. King, on thy chariot-sieve thou goest up to war, and with a thousand weapons winnest lofty fame.

Flow, cheering Gods, most active, winner of the flood, for Indra, and for Vayu, and for Varuna. Bestow on us to-day wide room with happiness, and in thine ample dwelling laud the Host of Heaven. 2 He who hath come anear to creatures that have life, Immortal ■ Soma flows onward to all of them. Eflecting, for our aid, both union and release, Indu, like Surya, follows closely after Dawn. 2 The Searcher* s sieve : ' The filter of the foe-scorching (Soma).' — Wilson. The Sw^t Ones: * his swift-flowing (juices) protect the purifier (the worshipper).'—Wilson. 3 The Mighty Sages : those who possess supernatural wisdom ; the Gods. The Fathers : ' The fruitf ulness of heaven and earth, which give birth to gods and men, is described as produced by the fathers.' — Wallis, Cosmology of the K, r, \\ 72. See X. 64. 14. 4 Qandharva : here, the Sun. His : Soma's. 5 Robed in cloud: ndbhah: meaning, water from the clouds. With a thousand tveapons : more literally, having a thousand, that is, countless, sharp points. * Thousand-rayed.* — Ludwig. 1 In thine ample dwelling : * on the spacious sacrificial ground.' — Sdyana.

2 The second line is obscure. Wilson translates, after Sftyana : — * Indu, binding and loosing, accompanies the sacrifice (for its protection) as the sun the dawn ;' that is, binding or connecting the sacrifice with the gods and loosing or 8e)>arating it from the Asuras or evil spirits. But this explanatvoxi \& untfatisfactoiy. Ludwig suggeata that * union' reiera to ^oxii^'*\>\\i^\v\^ \ft- £^ether heaven and earth, Qods and men, and fof tbe meAXiVEi^ oi ^ xc\«ida>^^ ^^ refers to IX. 68. 5, 3 He who ia poured with milk, he who within the plants hastes bringing treasure for the happiness of Gods, He, poured forth in a stream flows with the lightning's flash} Soma who gladdens Indra and the Host of Heaven. 4 Winner of thousands, he, this Soma, flows along, raiaiiig a vigorous voice that wakens with the dawn. Indu with winds drives on the ocean of the air, he sinks within the jars, he rests in Indra's heart. 5 The kine with milk dress him who makes the milk increase. Soma, amid the songs, who finds the light of heaven. Winner of wealth, the effectual juice is flowing on, Siqger and Sage by wisdom, dear as heaven itself.

Flow on to Indra, Soma, carefully efl'used : let sickness stay afar together with the fiends. Let not the double-toi^gued delight them with thy juice ; here be thy flowing drops laden with opuleuce. 2 0 Pavamslna, urge us forward in the fight : thou art the vigpur of the Gods, the well-loved drink. Smite thou our enemies who raise the shout of joy : Indra, drink Soma juice, and drive away our foes. 3 Unharmed, best Cheerer, thou, 0 Indu, flowest on : thou, even thou thyself, art Indra's noblest food. Full many a wise man lifts to thee the sonof of praise, and hails thee with a kiss as Sovran of this world. 4 Wondrous, with hundred streams, hymned in a thousand songs, Indu pours out for Indra his delightful meath. Winning us land and waters, flow thou hitherward : Rainer of bounties, Soma, make broad way for us. 5 Roaring within the beaker thou art balmed with milk : thou passest through the fleecy filter all at once. Carefully cleansed and decked like a prize-winning steed, 0 Soma, thou hast flowed down within Indra's throat. 6 Flow onward sweet of flavour for the Heavenly Race, for Indra sweet, whose name is easily invoked : Flow sweet for Mitra, Varuna, and V&yu, rich in meath, inviolable for Brihaspati.

7 Ten rapid fingers deck the Courser in the jar : with hymns the holy singers send their voices forth. The Altering juices hasten to \.\\e\x ^vAo^-^, iVia dro^s that gJaddea flad their way to ludta?*\ie^x\.. ffTMNBe.J THB RIGVEDA. S41 8 While thou art purified pour on as hero strength, great, fkr- extended shelter, spaoious pasturage. Let no oppression master this our holy work : may We, O Indu, gain all opulence through thee. 9 The Steer who sees afar hath risen ahove the sky: the Sage hath caused the lights of heaven to give their shine. The King is passing through the filter with a roar : they drain the milk of heaven from him who looks on men. 10 High in the vault of heaven, unceasing, honey-tongued, the Loving Ones drain out the mountain-haunting Steer, — The drop that hath grown great in waters, in the lake, m^athrich, in the stream's wave and in the cleansing sieve. 11 The Loviug Ones besought with many voices the Eagle who had flown away to heaven. Hymns kiss the Youngling worthy of laudation, resting on earth, the Bird of golden colour. 12 High to heaven's vault hath the Gandharva risen, beholding

all his varied forms and figures. His ray hath shone abroad with gleaming splendour : pure, he hath lighted both the worlds, the Parents^

Tht gladdening draughts, 0 PavamSina, urged by song flow swiftly of tnemselves like sons of fleet-foot mares. The drops of Soma juice, those eagles of the heavens, most cheering, rich in meath, rest in the reservoir. 3 As rapid chariot-steeds, so turned in several ways have thine exhilarating juices darted forth, Soma-drops rich in meath, waves, to the Thunder-armed, to Indra, like milch-kine who seek their calf with milk. 3 Like a steed urged to battle, finder of the light, speed onward to the cloud-born reservoir of heaven, A Steer that o'er the woolly surface seeks the sieve. Soma while purified for Indra's nourishment. 9 7*he Steer who sees afar : wise Soma, the Moon. 10 The Loving Ones ; venStf^ : the Gods or, specially, the Maruts. According to S&yana, great Risbis, caJled Venas. The mountain-kaunting Steer : Soma, first seen over the mountain heights. See Hillebrandt, F. M,, I. 389. 11 Soma in this stanza is the Eagle, the Youngling or in&ut, and the Bird of golden colour. 12 The Oandharva : here Soma, the Moon. See Hillebrandt^ 7. i!f .^I« iflA. S ^)eed onward: hasten to pour down the rwn Irom t\kft <A.Q\xdu 4 Fleet as swift steeds, thy drops, diTine, though t-ewift, haTe

been, 0 Pavam&ua, poured with milk into the vat. The Kishis have poured in continuous Soma-drops, ordainen who adorn thee, Friend whom Bishis love. 5 0 thou who seest all things, Sovran as thou art and passing strong, thy rays enoompass all abodes. Pervading with thy natural powers thou flowest on, and as the whole world's Lord, O Soma, thou art King. 6 The beams of Pavam^na, sent from earth and heaven, bis ensigns who is ever stedfast, travel round. When on the sieve the Golden-hued is cleansed, he rests within the vats as one who seats him in his place. 7 Served with fair rites he flows, ensign of sacrifice : Soma advances to the special place of Gods. He speeds with thousand currents to the reseryoir, and passes through the filter bellowing as a bull. 8 The Sovran dips him in the sea and in the streams, and set in rivers with the waters' wave moves on. High heaven's Sustainer at the central point of earth, raised on the fleecy surface Pavaml^na stands. 9 He on whose high decree the heavens and earth depend hath roared and thundered like the summit of the sky. Soma flows on obtaining Indra's friendly Wve, and, as they purify him, settles in the jars.

10 He, light of sacrifice, distils delicious meath, most wealthy, Father and begetter of the Gods. He, gladdening, best of Cheerers, juice that Indra loves, enriches with mysterious treasure earth and heaven. 11 The vigorous and far-seeing one, the Lord of heaven, flows, shouting to the beaker, with his thousand streams. Coloured like gold he rests in seats where Mitra dwells, the Steer made beautiful by rivers and by sheep. 1 2 In forefront of the rivers Pavam&na speeds, in forefront of the hymn, foremost among the kiue. 4 Fi^nd whom RishU love : rUhishdna : the word does not occur elsewhere, and its precise meaning is uncertain. *'0 ris^t-enjoyed.' — Wilaou. * Thou who piayest the part of a Rishi.' — Ludwig. 8 The sea and the itreanit are the firmament and its waters. Soma, who is at the same time the God in heaven and the earthly beverage, is said to combine with the solar rays in the clouds, and thus to cause the rain to descend. See Hillebrandt, V, M., I. 215. Central poirU of earth : the place J J By rivcTM and by »http : b^ t\i« ^uutYvaV^ -^^X.w^ «sA 'Cv^fc '^^sf^&MOk He shares the raighty booty in the van of war : the well-armed Steer is purified by worsliippers.

13 This heedful PavamsLua, like a bird sent forth, hath with his wave flowed onward to the fleecy sieve. O Indra, through thy wisdom, by thy thought, 0 Sage, Soma flows bright aud pure between the earth and heaven. 14 He, clad in mail that reaches heaven, the Holy One, filling the firmament, stationed amid the worlds. Knowing the realm of light, hatli come to us in rain : he summons to himself his own primeval Sire. 15 He who was first of all to penetrate hisj form bestowed upon his race wide shelter and defence. From that high station which he hath in loftiest heaven he comes victorious to all encounters here. 16 Indu hath started forth for Indra's special place, and slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend. Soma speeds onward like a youth to youthful maids, and gains the beaker by a course of hundred p;iths. 17 Your songs, exhilarating, tuneful, uttering praise, are come into the places where the people meet. Worshippers have exalted Soma with their hymns, and milclikine have come near to meet him with their milk. 18 O Soma, In(hi, while they cleanse thee, pour on us accumu- lated, plentiful, nutritious food, Which, ceaseless, thiice a day shall yield us hero power enriched with store of uouris$hment, and strength, and meath.

19 Far-seeing Soma flows, the Steer, the Lord of hymns, the Furtherer of day, of morning, and of heaven. Mixt with the streams he c lused the beakers to resound, and with the singers' aid they entered Indra's heart. 20 On, with the prudent singers, flows the ancient Sage and guided by the men hath roared about the vats. Producing Trita's name, may he pour f.)rth the meath, that V&yu and that Indra may become his Friends. 14 HU own primeval Sire : or, the ancient Father of this (All). Indra is meant. 15 He: Soma. His form : Indra*B. His race : Indra and the Gods. 16 Slights not as a Friend the promise of his Friend: *the friend leavei not the stomach of his friend.*— Wilson. SAyana derives samylram from samyri, to swallow, instead of from samjfi, to assent. Hundred paths : through the interstices of the wool. 18 Thriee a day : at the three appointed sacrifices. 20 Producinjgr Tt'iUi'8 name : literally, begetting, tJh8Lt\%, xasJsMi^^ia'u^-^asv.'^ the oMDeof I'tita ; meaning probably, as Proi. iiudwV|^B>x^t«\A,xwcMx^\Ti% 344 THE ETMNS OP [BOOK il.- 21 He, being purified, hath made the Mornings shiDe : this, even this is he who gave the rivers room. He made the Three Times Seven pour out the milky flow: Soma, the Cheerer, yields whatever the heart finds sweet.

22 Flow onward, Soma, in thine own celestial forms, flow, ItidOi poured within the beaker and the sieve. Sinking into the throat of Indra with a roar, led by the men thou madest Sdrya mount to heaven. 23 Pressed out with stones thou flowest onward to the sieve, 0 Indu, entering the depths of India's throat. Far-sighted SoniH, now thou lookest on mankind: thou didst uiibar the cow-stall for the Angirases. 24 In thee, 0 Soma, while thou purifiedst thee, high-thoughted sages, seeking favour, have rejoiced. Down from the heavens the Falcon brought thee hitherward, even thee, 0 Indu, thee whom all our hymns adorn. 25 Seven Milch-kin e glorify the Tuwny-coloured One while with his wave in wool he purifies himself. The living men, the mighty, have impelled the Sage into the waters* lap, the place of sacrifice. 26 Indu, attaining purity, plunges through the foe, making his ways all easy for the pious man. Mnking the kine his mantle, he, the lovely Sage, runs like a sporting courser onward through the fleece*. 27 The ceaseless watery fountains with their hundred streams sing, as they hasten near, to him the Golden-hued. Him, clad in robes of milk, swift fingers beautify on the third height and in the luminous realm of heaven,

28 These are thy generations of celestial seed : thou art the Sovran Lord of all the world of life. This universe, 0 Pavamana, owns thy sway; thou, Indu, art the first establish er of Law. us of Trita, with whom he is closely connected. * Generating the water of the threefold (Indra).' — Wilson. 21 The Three Times Seven : the seven celestial rivers, corresponding to the rivers of earth, multiplied by three to accord with the threefold division of the heavens. According to Sftyana, cows are meant. 23 Thou didst unbar the cow-stall : didst recover the cattle stolen by the Panis, that is the rays of light that the fiends of darkness had carried eff ; the great deed of Indra being ascribed to Soma his inspirer. 25 Seven Milch-Jcive : the celestial rivers. S6 Making the hme his mantle : he wVio \a ihAXNi%x6& ^Q^^t«i or mingled with milk. HTMn Sei] TEE RIO VEDA . 845 S9 Thoa art the sea, 0 Sage who bringest all to light : under thy Law are these five regions of the world. Thou reachest out beyond the earth, beyond the heaTens : thine are the lights, 0 PavamUna, thine the Sun.

30 Thou in the filter, Soma Pavam&na, art purified to support the region for the Gods. The chief, the longing ones have sought to hold thee fast, and all these living creatures have been turned to thee. 31 Onward the Singer travels o'er the fleecy sieve : the Tawny . Steer hath bellowed in the wooden vats. Hynios have been sung aloud in resonant harmony, and holy songs kiss him, the Child who claims our praise. 32 He hath assumed the rays of Sdrya for his robe, spinnin g, as he knows how, the triply -twisted thread. He, guiding to the newest rules of Holy Law, comes as the Women's Consort to the special place. 33 On flows the King of rivers and the Lord of heaven : he follows with a shout the paths of Holy Law. The Golden-hued is poured forth with his hundred streams, Wealth-bringer, lifting up his voice while purified. 34 Fain to be cleansed, thou, Pavamana, pourest out, like wond- rous Sura, through the fleece, an ample sea. Purified with the hands, pressed by the men with stones, thou speedest on to mighty booty-bringing war. 35 Thou, PavamsLuB, sendest food and power in streams : thou

sit test in the beakers as a hawk on trees, For Indra poured as cheering juice to make him glad, as nearest and far-seeing bearer-up of heaven. 36 The Sisters Seven, the Mothers, stand around the Babe, the noble, new-born Infant, skilled in holy song, Gandharva of the floods, divine, beholding men. Soma, that he may reign as King of all the world. 29 Thou, art the 8ea : Soma and the sea being alike producers of rain. Lights: stars. 30 7%e region : mid-air ; the firmament. TJie chief, the longing oties : the Venas, the Maruts. 82 Spvnm,ing...the triply-twisted thread: bearing his part in morning, noonday and evening sacrifice. Hie Women*8 Conswt : Lord and husband of the Waters of heaven. The special place : * the consecrated (vessel).* — Wilson. 84 Like vfondrous SHra : adorable like the Sun. 86 2%« Sistert Seven : the great rivers which may provide water for Sowa.- iAcrificee. Gand?iarva: frequeutlj identified wVtU \tl^<&^u\i,\i^i^X!i^^xi^'^^vsAi« tbe Moon* 84« THE B7MNS OF {BOOK It 37 As Sovran Lord thereof thou passest through these worlds, 0 Indu, harnessing thy tawny well-winged Mares. May they pour forth for thee milk and oil rich in sweets ; 0 Soma, let the folk abide in thy decree.

M 0 Soma, thou beholdest men from every side : O Pavam&na, Steer, thou wanderest through these. Pour out upon us wealth in treasure and in gold : may we have strength to live among the things that be. 39 Winner of gold and goods and cattle flow thou on, set as im- pregner, Indu, mid the worlds of life. Rich in brave men art thou, Soma, who winuest all : these holy singers wait upon thee with the song. 40 The wave of flowing meath hath wakened up desires : the Steer enrobed in milk plunt^es into the streams. Borne on his chariot-sieve the King hath risen to war, and with a thousand rays hath won him high renown. 41 Dear to all life, he sends triumphant praises forth, abundant) bringing ofiijpring, each succeeding day. From Indra crave for us, Indu, when thou art quaffed, the blessing that gives children, wealth that harbours steeds. 42 When days begin, the strong juice, lovely, golden-hued, is recognized by wisdom more and more each day, He, stirring both the Rices, goes between the two, the bearer of the word of men and word of Gods. 43 They balm him, balm him over, balm him thoroughly, caress the mighty strength and balm it with the meath.

37 Tawny.,. Mara: haritah ; Hants. Cf. IV. 6.9; 13.8; VII. 66.15; IX. 63. 9. 38 Through these : there is no substantive. Sdyana supplies apah, waters. 40 2)eni'«« : the meaning of vanan/lh : is not certain ; 'voices (of praise).* — Wilson With a thousand rays : sahasrabhrishtih : literally, having a thousand edges or sharp points. Cp. IX. 83. 5 41 The blessing: this seems to be very nearly the meaning of h^dhma here. But the word may as usual be rendered by prayer, or devotion. * Solicit Indra (to give) us food productive of progeny.' — Wilson. 42 When days begin : according to Sftyana, early in the morning. The commencement of the year is more probably intended. The second half of the stanza is obscurely expressed. It appears to mean that Soma acts as a mediator between heaven and earth, urging men to ofifer, and the Qods to receive, worship, bearing up to heaven the hymns and praises of human worshippers and bringing back to them the assurance that their petitions will be granted. S&yana's explanation is different : ' approaching the two men (the praiser aud the worshipper or secular and sacred people) he passes

In the midst (of heaven and earth, beato^m^\ uipoii the upholder (of the ritej both human and divine (richeaV*— "^NVVaon. lioWsyw \wLftcwS% '^Va takes dAartdri &B nominative singular. ■ Hiey seise the flying Steer at the stream's breathing-place : [ cleansing with gold tbej grasp the Animal herein. [ 44 Sing forth to Payam4na skilled in holy song : the juice is flowing onward like a mighty stream. He glideth like a serpent from his ancient skin, and like a playful horse the Tawny Steer hath run. 45 Dweller in floods, King, foremost, he displays his might, set among living things as measurer of days. Distilling oil he flows, fair, billowy, golden-hued, borne on a car of light, sharing one home with wealth. 46 Loosed is the heavens' support, the uplifted cheering juice : the triply-mingled draught flows round into the worlds. The holy hymns caress the stalk that claims our praise, when singers have approached his beauteous robe with song. 47 Thy streams that flow forth rapidly collected run over the fine fleece of the sheep as thou art cleansed. When, Indu, thou art balmed with milk within the bowl, thou sinkest in the jars, 0 Soma, when expressed.

48 Winner of power, flow. Soma, worthy of our laud : run on- ward to the fleece as well-beloved meath. Destroy, 0 Indu, all voracious Rdkshasas. With brave sons in the assembly let our speech be bold.

Bun onward to the reservoir and seat thee : cleansed by the 'men speed forward to the battle. Making thee beauteous like an able courser, forth to the sacred grass with reins they lead thee. 2 Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the curse and guards from treacherous onslaught, Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of tlie heavens and earth's supporter. ' 3 Kishi and Sage, the Champion of the people, deft and sagacious, U8an|[ in wisdom, 43 At tKe»trea'nC9'bre(Uliing-^ce: where the stream seems to stay still for a moment to recover breath. Cleansing with gold: with gold-ringed fingers. The Animal: Soma. 45 its meaiwer of days: Soma being identified with the Moon. 46 Triply -mingled : or, poured into three vessels, the droruUcalata, ddkavantya, and p^tabhrii. Robe : the integuments which cover the juice : that is the extmor of the stalk and shoots. 8 Vfand in wisdom: aa wise as the celebraied T^l^oxA. ^-^^iXa^ ct^^vccsc^ differently, regurding UaanA as the disooverer ; * U«ancu— >aft n«c\i ^si^ ^«^ He hath discovered eveu their hidden tiatute, tiie Cows* ooncealed and most mysterious title. 4 This thine own Soma rich in meath, O Indra, Steer io'r thi Steer, hath flowed into the filter. The strong Free-giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath reached the holy grass that never fails him.

6 These Somas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown therefor, and mighty strength immortal. These have been sent forth, purified by strainers, like steeds who rush to battle fain for glory. 6 He, while he cleanses him, invoked of many, hath flowed to give the people all enjoyment. Thou whom the Falcon brought, bring dainty viands, bestir thyself and send us wealth and booty. 7 This Soma, pressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as 'twere a host let loose, the Courser; Like a strong bull who whets his horns keen-^pointed, like a brave warrior in the fray for cattle. 8 He issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found kine hidden somewhere in a stable. Soma's stream clears itself for thee, 0 Indra, like lightning thundering through the clouds of heaven, 9 Cleansing thyself, and borne along with Indra, Soma, thou goest round the herd of cattle. May thy praise help us. Mighty One, prompt Giver, to the full ample food which thou bestowest.

For thee this Soma is effused, 0 Indra: drink of this juioe; for thee the stream is flowing — Soma, which thou thyself hast made and chosen, even ludu, for thy special drink to cheer thee. poetic gift discovered the secret milk of those cows which was hidden and concealed.' — Wilson. By tUle or name of the Cows, water appears to be intended. 4 Steer for the Steer: or, Strong for the Strong. 6 Mighty strength immortal : * ample food and ambrosia.* — "Wilson. 8 From out the loftiest mountain : Sftjana makes antdrdd/rffy depend upon kdchit, somewhere : * This Soma stream has come from on high and has detected the cattle which were in a stall (hidden) somewhere within the mountain.' — Wilson. Grassmann translates : 'Er ist entsprungen aus detn hochsten Pressstein.' * He hath sprung forth from the most lofty press-atone.' 9 The herd of caJtth : Soma accompam^% \titok vci hia expedition to recover the stolen cattle. — S&yana. Or the cattVe or eo'vi^ \&&^ >a^>i}ti<^i£:^^^r^'«\5adbL BWmf WJ THE RIOVBDA. 849 % liikd a eapacions oar hath it been harnessed, the Mighty; to acquire abuodant treasures. Then in the sacrifice they celebrated all triumphs won by Nahus in the battle.

3 like V&yu with his team, moving at pleasure, most gracious when invoked like both N^^atyas, Thou art thyself like the Wealth-Giver, Soma ! who grants all boons, like song-inspiring Pushan. .4 Like Indra who hath done great deeds, thou. Soma, art slayer of the Vritras, Fort-destroyer. Like Pedu*s horse who killed the brood of serpents, thus thou, 0 Soma, slay est every Dasyu. 5 Like Agni loosed amid the forest, fiercely he wiuneth splen- dour in the running waters. Like one who fights, the roaring of the mighty, thus Soma Pavam&na sends his current. 6 These Somas passing through the fleecy filter, like rain de- scending from the clouds of heaven, Have been effused and poured into the beakers, swiftly like rivers running lowly seaward. 7 Flow onward like the potent band of Maruts, like that Celestial Host whom none revileth. Quickly be gracious unto us like waters, like sacrifice victorious, thousand-fashioned. 8 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, 0 Soma, is thy glory. All-pure art thou like Mitra the beloved, adorable, like Aryaman, 0 Soma.

This Chariot-horse hath moved along the pathways, and Pavam4na flowed like rain from heaven. 2 I can make nothing out of the second line of this stanza. The version which I give as a temporary makeshift is founded on Ludwig's remarks in his Commentary on the passage, Vol. V. p. 308, of his Rigveda. Wilson, following Sftyana, translates : — * After this {i. e. after the harnessing of tf^e waggon. — Note.) may all the races of men expecting our (attack) go to the desirable battle.' ' Now let the races of all men, rising up like trees, come near to him in order to obtain success.' would, according to Grassmann, be nearer the meaning. 4 Pedu's horse: given to him by the Asvins. See I. 116. 6; 117. 9 ; 118. 9 ; 119. 10. 7 Zdke sacrifice : according to SAyana, yajfldh, sacrifice, means here, worthy of sacrifice: — '(thou art) of a thousand shapes, adorable like (Indra) the victor in battle.' — Wilson. 5 Thia stanza is found ako in Book I. 91. 3. 350 THE HYMNS OP [BOOJL tt With us hath Soma with a thousand currents sunk in the wood^^' upon his Mother's bosom.

2 King, he hath clothed him in the robe of rivers, mounted tin stiaightest-going ship of Order. Sped by the Hawk the drop hath waxed in waters : the father drains it, drains the Father's offspring. 3 They come to him, red, tawny, Lord of Heaven, the watchful Guardian of the meath, the Lion. First, Hero in the fight, he seeks the cattle, and with his eye the Steer is our protector. 4 They harness to the broad-wheeled car the mighty Courser whose back bears meath. unwearied, awful. The twins, the sisters brighten him, and strengthen — these children of one dame — the vigorous Racer. 5 Four pouring out the holy oil attend him, sitting together in the same container. To him they flow, when purified, with homage, and still, from every side, are first about him. 6 He is the buttress of the heavens, supporter of earth, and in his hand are all the people. Be the tentn's Lord a well to thee the singer : cleansed is the sweet plant's stnlk for deed of glory. 7 Fighting, uninjured come where Gods are feasted ; Soma, as Vritra-slayer flow for Indra. Vouchsafe us ample riches very splendid : may we be masters of heroic vigour.